Issue :   
October 2017 Edition of Power Politics is updated.  Happy Diwali to all our subscribers and Distributors       October 2017 Edition of Power Politics is updated.   Happy Diwali to all our subscribers and Distributors       
Issue:Sep' 2017

OBITUARY

Air Marshal deserves Bharat Ratna !

Arjan Singh, Indian Air Force's only five-star officer, was a unique towering personality. He wore several hats in varying fields during government service and post-retirement with dignity, respect and style.
He started as a swimming star in pre-Independence days in Faislabad (Pakistan). From flying, he turned to jet fighter-flying where he earned world acclaim. He rose as a war hero for exploits in air and on the ground. He flew as many 60 types of aircraft.
After his retirement from his office in 'Air Headquaters', he joined the diplomatic service. He had another round of success in sorting out many vexed problems in Switzerland and in other countries bringing laurels to himself and to his country.
The word 'unique' sits serenely on his face which is without any discordant note, from the turban to toe on his personality. The most remarkable aspect of his illustrious long service in the Air Force is that it ended rousingly, as it had started, without any controversy. He is a worthy personality for (posthumous) Bharat Ratna. To attain world acclaim in such a long and abiding career without a black dot is a lot.
Arjan Singh wore a larger-than-life image. He possessed an inspiring instincts and personality. Since joining the Air Force in 1940, he inspired many youngsters, particularly Sikhs, to serve the country by joining the Air Force. Then he taught and guided their destinies. His fragrance and image worked on the minds of young Sikhs.
India, on September 18, 2017, bid its legendary war warrior Marshal of Air Force (IAF) an emotional and touching farewell with 21-gun salute with the country's flag flying half-mast. The ceremony at Brar Square was full with politicians, bureaucrats and other dignitaries according him a befitting farewell. He was rushed to the Army Hospital for 'pain in heart' on September 16. In less than two hours, he passed away. He was an individual with 'golden heart'. His wife Tei had passed away in 2011.

Arjan Singh wore a larger than life image. He possessed an inspiring instincts. Since joining air force in 1940, inspired many youngsters, particularly Sikhs, to serve the country by joining Air Force. Then he taught and guided their destinies. His fragrance and image worked on the minds of young Sikhs.

Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh was the country's leading long distance river -swimmer in Punjab (now Pakistan) in the 1940s and his daughter, Asha, was also a leading Delhi swimmer in mid-1960s. He had four Punjab, four university and two India records in swimming. He headed the office of the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) for about a decade when he resigned to join the Foreign Service. In 1956, he was the youngest Chef-de-Mission of India for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
Strictly teetotaller, regulated food habit and a 9-hole round of golf twice or a thrice a week were the causes of his longevity. A famous saying is 'eat an apple a day and keep a physician out of reach'. Arjun Singh's slogan was 'to play a round of golf and keep the doctor away'.
In a foreword to 'the Story of Swimming by K.R.Wadhwaney', the Chief Air Marshal in 2000 wrote: "... I felt some officials had limited knowledge and were there for prestige and trips within the country and abroad. It is necessary that they have enough experience of that sport before they aspire for positions in federation. Only then can they visualise the feelings of the sportspersons....."
A physical fanatic, he mocked at me when he saw me limping at the golf course. When I requested him to write a Foreword, he gladly agreed. When I requested him for his new telephone number, he said: "check telephone book". He always had a wry sense of humour.

K.R.Wadhwaney